Both are great choices, but they have some key differences that might make one better for you than the other. By the end of this article, you’ll understand what makes each brand special and which one might be the perfect fit for your feet and activities.
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Kayano Shoes
- 2 Brand Background: Who Makes These Shoes?
- 3 Cushioning: The Softness Under Your Feet
- 4 Durability: How Long Will They Last?
- 5 Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 6 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 7 Stability: Keeping Your Feet Balanced
- 8 Comfort: How They Feel All Day
- 9 Quality: What Makes These Shoes Special?
- 10 Style: Looking Good While Staying Active
- 11 Size Range: Will They Fit You?
- 12 Material: What Are They Made Of?
- 13 Weight: How Heavy Are They?
- 14 Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
- 15 Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
- 16 Sole: The Foundation of the Shoe
- 17 Price: What Do They Cost?
- 18 User Reviews and Price Comparison
- 19 Pros and Cons
- 20 Conclusion
- 21 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Kayano Shoes
The main difference between New Balance and Kayano shoes is their purpose and design philosophy. New Balance offers many models with multiple width options (narrow to extra-wide) for various activities, while the Asics Gel-Kayano is specifically designed as a premium stability running shoe with specialized support features for overpronation.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Asics Gel-Kayano |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Various (running, walking, lifestyle) | Stability running shoe |
| Stability Level | Varies by model (neutral to stability) | High stability for overpronation |
| Width Options | Multiple (narrow, regular, wide, extra-wide) | Limited (regular, wide) |
| Cushioning Technology | Fresh Foam, FuelCell | Gel cushioning, FlyteFoam |
| Price Range | $40-$100 (kids/youth) | $90-$120 (kids/youth) |
| Weight | Generally lighter (7-9 oz kids) | Slightly heavier (8-10 oz kids) |
| Best For | Multiple activities, different foot types | Running, overpronation, flat feet |
| Key Support Feature | Varies by model | Dynamic DuoMax, Trusstic System |
| Durability | 300-500 miles | 400-600 miles |
| Style Factor | More fashion-friendly options | Technical, performance look |
| Product Line | Many different models | One model updated yearly |
| Size Availability | Full range of kids to adults | Limited youth sizes (older kids) |
In summary: New Balance and Kayano shoes are made for different purposes. New Balance makes many types of shoes with lots of width choices that work for different activities and foot shapes.
Kayano is a special running shoe made by Asics with extra support for people whose feet roll inward too much when running. New Balance is more affordable with more options, while Kayano costs more but offers superior stability for runners.
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Brand Background: Who Makes These Shoes?
New Balance: The American Classic
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. The founder, William Riley, got the idea for his first shoes by watching chickens in his yard! He noticed how chickens stay perfectly balanced with their three-toed feet and wanted to create shoes that would help people feel balanced too.
New Balance began by making special inserts that supported people’s arches (the curved part in the middle of your foot). Later, they started making complete shoes. Today, New Balance is famous for making shoes in many different widths, which is super helpful for people with wide or narrow feet.
Asics Gel-Kayano: The Japanese Engineering Marvel
The Gel-Kayano is a specific shoe model made by a company called Asics. Asics was founded in 1949 in Japan by Kihachiro Onitsuka. The company name ASICS actually stands for “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” which is Latin for “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.”
The Gel-Kayano series is named after its designer, Toshikazu Kayano, who created the first version in 1993. The Kayano has been updated every year since then, with the current model being the Gel-Kayano 30. These shoes are known for their incredible stability and support.
Cushioning: The Softness Under Your Feet
New Balance Cushioning Technology
New Balance uses several different cushioning systems in their shoes. Their most famous ones are called “Fresh Foam” and “FuelCell.” Fresh Foam gives a soft, comfortable feel under your foot and is great for longer walks or runs.
FuelCell is bouncier and gives you more energy return when you push off. Different New Balance models use different amounts and types of cushioning depending on what activities they’re designed for.
Kayano’s Famous Gel Cushioning
The Kayano is known for its Gel cushioning technology. Asics places special gel pads in the heel and forefoot areas of the shoe. These gel pads work like tiny shock absorbers, soaking up the impact when your foot hits the ground.
The latest Kayano models also use a foam called “FlyteFoam,” which is lightweight but still provides excellent cushioning. Many runners say that the Kayano feels especially cushioned in the heel area.
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Durability: How Long Will They Last?
| Feature | New Balance | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Lifespan | 300-500 miles | 400-600 miles |
| Outsole Material | Carbon rubber, NDurance rubber | AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) |
| Common Wear Points | Outside heel, forefoot | Outside heel |
| Upper Durability | Good, varies by model | Excellent, reinforced in key areas |
| Value for Money | Good durability for price | Higher price but often lasts longer |
New Balance Toughness
New Balance shoes are generally well-made and durable. They use strong rubber on the bottom of their shoes in areas that typically wear out first, like the heel and the ball of your foot.
The upper parts (the fabric sections) are well-constructed with reinforced stitching in high-stress areas. Most New Balance shoes will last about 300-500 miles of running or walking before they need to be replaced.
Kayano Longevity
The Gel-Kayano is built to last. Asics uses their special AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) on the outsole, which is extremely durable. The upper part of the shoe is reinforced in areas that get a lot of stress.
Many runners report that their Kayanos last 400-600 miles before needing replacement, which is on the higher end for running shoes. This is one reason why people don’t mind paying a bit more for Kayanos – they often last longer than many other running shoes.
Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Ventilation
New Balance uses breathable mesh materials in many of their shoes. This mesh has tiny holes that allow air to flow in and out, helping keep your feet cool and dry.
The amount of ventilation varies by model, with their running shoes typically having more breathable upper materials than their walking or casual shoes. Some New Balance models also have special moisture-wicking fabrics inside that help pull sweat away from your feet.
Kayano Airflow System
The Gel-Kayano features engineered mesh in the upper that provides excellent ventilation. Asics designs this mesh to be breathable in specific zones where your feet tend to get hottest.
The inside of the shoe uses moisture-managing materials to help keep your feet dry. In recent Kayano models, Asics has improved the breathability while maintaining the structure and support the shoe is famous for.
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Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance Sizing Options
One big advantage of New Balance is that they offer many different width options. They make shoes in narrow (B), regular (D), wide (2E), and even extra-wide (4E) sizes.
This is super helpful if your feet are wider or narrower than average. New Balance shoes typically have a roomy toe box (the front part where your toes go), giving your toes space to spread out naturally.
Kayano Fit Features
The Gel-Kayano tends to run true to size in length but is designed with a slightly narrower midfoot and heel to provide extra support. The toe box is reasonably roomy but not as wide as some New Balance models.
Kayanos come in regular and wide widths, but not as many width options as New Balance offers. The Kayano has a more structured fit overall, which helps with stability but might feel too constraining for some feet.
Stability: Keeping Your Feet Balanced
New Balance Support Systems
New Balance makes different shoes for different stability needs. Some models are “neutral,” meaning they don’t try to correct your foot motion.
Others are “stability” shoes that help prevent your foot from rolling inward too much (called overpronation). New Balance stability shoes often use firmer materials on the inner side of the midsole and supportive structures to guide your foot.
Kayano Stability Technology
Stability is where the Gel-Kayano really shines! It’s specifically designed as a stability shoe for runners who overpronate (when your foot rolls inward too much). The Kayano uses a technology called “Dynamic DuoMax,” which is a firmer density foam on the inner side of the shoe.
It also has a plastic support system called “Trusstic” under the arch and a firm external heel counter that helps lock your heel in place. All these features work together to guide your foot through a more stable path when you walk or run.
Comfort: How They Feel All Day
New Balance Comfort Features
New Balance designs their shoes with all-day comfort in mind. They usually have good padding around the ankle collar and tongue to prevent rubbing. The insoles are cushioned and often removable if you want to use your own custom insoles.
The combination of cushioning and appropriate width options means most people can find a New Balance shoe that feels comfortable even after hours of wear.
Kayano Comfort Elements
The Gel-Kayano is known for being comfortable despite its structured support. The gel cushioning absorbs impact very effectively, making each step feel cushioned. The shoe has a plush ankle collar and tongue that feel soft against your foot.
The insole is premium quality and contoured to support your arch. While the Kayano is more structured than many New Balance shoes, many runners find this support actually increases comfort over long distances by reducing fatigue.
Quality: What Makes These Shoes Special?
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses quality materials in their shoes. The upper parts might be made of engineered mesh, synthetic overlays, or sometimes suede or leather depending on the model.
The midsoles use their proprietary foam technologies, and the outsoles feature durable rubber. New Balance is known for good construction, with some of their premium models still being made in the USA or UK.
Kayano Premium Construction
The Gel-Kayano is considered a premium running shoe, and the materials reflect this. Asics uses high-quality engineered mesh and synthetic materials in the upper, with reinforcement in key areas.
The midsole combines their FlyteFoam technology with gel units for cushioning. The outsole uses their most durable AHAR rubber. The overall construction quality is excellent, with clean stitching and secure bonding between components.
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Style: Looking Good While Staying Active
New Balance Fashion Appeal
New Balance has become quite fashionable in recent years. Their retro-style shoes, like the 574 and 990 models, are now trendy fashion items worn by celebrities and style influencers.
New Balance offers shoes in many color combinations, from bright and bold to simple and classic. While they started as purely functional athletic shoes, many New Balance models are now considered cool for everyday fashion.
Kayano Design Aesthetic
The Gel-Kayano has a technical, performance-oriented look. While it’s designed primarily for function rather than fashion, recent Kayano models have become more stylish with sleeker designs and attractive color options.
The Kayano tends to look more like a serious running shoe rather than a casual fashion sneaker. Some people really like this performance-focused aesthetic, while others prefer the more versatile style of many New Balance shoes.
Size Range: Will They Fit You?
New Balance Size Availability
New Balance offers a huge range of sizes. They make kids’ sizes starting from very small (little kid size 10.5) all the way up to big kids’ sizes, and then a full range of adult sizes. As mentioned earlier, they also offer multiple width options. This makes it more likely you’ll find New Balance shoes that fit well, even if your feet are an unusual size or shape.
Kayano Size Options
The Gel-Kayano comes in a good range of adult sizes, and Asics does make youth versions of the Kayano for older kids (generally starting around youth size 1). Their width options are more limited than New Balance, with most models coming in regular and wide only. The Kayano is primarily designed as an adult performance running shoe, so the size range isn’t as extensive for younger or smaller-footed runners.
Material: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Material Selection
New Balance uses a variety of materials in their shoes. The upper parts often feature engineered mesh with synthetic overlays for structure. Some lifestyle models use suede and leather for a more premium look and feel. The midsoles are made from their proprietary cushioning foams like Fresh Foam or FuelCell. The outsoles typically use carbon rubber or their NDurance rubber compound for durability.
Kayano Material Technology
The Gel-Kayano uses technical materials throughout. The upper is made from engineered mesh with strategic reinforcements.
The midsole combines FlyteFoam with gel cushioning units. The outsole uses AHAR rubber placed in a pattern based on research about how the foot strikes the ground. The Kayano also features various support components made from plastic or firm foam to enhance stability.
Weight: How Heavy Are They?
| Shoe Type | New Balance Average Weight | Asics Gel-Kayano Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Kids/Youth Models | 7-9 oz per shoe | 8-10 oz per shoe |
| Adult Models | 9-11 oz per shoe | 10-12 oz per shoe |
| Lightweight Options | Available | Limited |
| Stability Features | Varies by model | Always included (adds weight) |
New Balance Weight Considerations
New Balance shoes vary in weight depending on the model. Their lightweight racing shoes can be very light, while their more cushioned or supportive models are heavier. Most New Balance running shoes for kids fall in the medium weight range, providing a good balance of cushioning and support without feeling too heavy on your feet.
Kayano Weight Profile
The Gel-Kayano tends to be on the heavier side for running shoes because of all its stability features and cushioning. The support structures, gel units, and durable materials all add a little weight.
Each new version of the Kayano typically tries to reduce weight without sacrificing support, but it’s still considered a medium-to-heavy shoe in the running world. For many runners who need the stability, this extra weight is worth it for the support provided.
Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
New Balance Flex Points
New Balance designs their shoes with specific flex points that match how your foot naturally moves. Many of their models have flex grooves in the outsole that allow the shoe to bend where your foot wants to bend. Different New Balance shoes have different levels of flexibility – their racing shoes tend to be more flexible, while their stability shoes are somewhat firmer.
Kayano Bending Dynamics
The Gel-Kayano is designed to control motion rather than provide maximum flexibility. It has some flex grooves in the forefoot to allow your foot to bend when pushing off, but the midfoot is fairly rigid due to the stability features. This controlled flexibility is intentional – it helps guide your foot through a proper motion path rather than allowing excessive movement that could lead to overpronation.
Water Resistance: Keeping Feet Dry
New Balance Weather Protection
Most regular New Balance shoes aren’t specifically designed to be waterproof, though they can handle light splashes or brief rain. New Balance does make some waterproof models that use membranes like GORE-TEX. These waterproof models are clearly labeled and perfect for rainy days or wet conditions. The mesh used in regular models does dry relatively quickly if it does get wet.
Kayano Water Handling
The standard Gel-Kayano is not waterproof. The engineered mesh upper will keep out light moisture but won’t protect against puddles or heavy rain. Asics does occasionally release waterproof versions of the Kayano with GORE-TEX (often labeled GTX), which are excellent for wet conditions. These waterproof models cost a bit more but keep your feet much drier in bad weather.
Sole: The Foundation of the Shoe
New Balance Sole Technology
New Balance creates different sole designs for different activities and foot types. Their running shoe soles typically feature impact-absorbing cushioning with rubber in high-wear areas. The tread patterns are designed for good grip on roads and light trails. New Balance often uses their proprietary outsole rubbers that balance durability with flexibility and traction.
Kayano Sole Construction
The Gel-Kayano sole is a marvel of engineering. It has gel units positioned precisely where impact forces are greatest. The outsole uses a combination of their AHAR rubber in high-wear areas and lighter blown rubber in other areas. The tread pattern is based on research about typical running gait patterns. The sole also includes the Trusstic support system under the arch and guidance structures to control pronation.
Price: What Do They Cost?
New Balance Cost Range
New Balance offers shoes at various price points. Their basic models for kids might cost around $40-60, while their more advanced performance shoes could be $70-100. New Balance frequently has sales and older models available at discounted prices, making them accessible for different budgets.
Kayano Price Point
The Gel-Kayano is definitely on the premium end of the running shoe market. Kids’ and youth sizes (when available) typically cost between $90-120, while adult sizes are around $140-160 for the current model. This makes the Kayano more expensive than many other running shoes. However, many runners feel the excellent support, cushioning, and durability justify the higher price.
User Reviews and Price Comparison
| Model | Brand | Price Range | User Rating | Review Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Foam 880v12 | New Balance | $70-$90 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Great for PE class and track practice. The wide size is perfect for my feet.” – Tyler, 13 |
| 860v12 | New Balance | $75-$95 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Really helps with my flat feet. I can run without pain now.” – Emma, 12 |
| Gel-Kayano 29 GS | Asics | $90-$110 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “These shoes fixed my ankle pain. Super comfortable for long runs.” – Jayden, 14 |
| Gel-Kayano 30 GS | Asics | $100-$120 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Very supportive and cushioned but a little heavy for sprinting.” – Sophia, 13 |
“I love my New Balance shoes because they come in extra wide, and I have really wide feet. Other shoes always pinched my toes.” – Marcus, age 12
“My Kayanos helped me run better in cross country. My feet don’t hurt anymore after practice.” – Lily, age 13
“New Balance shoes last me the whole school year, even though I’m pretty tough on shoes.” – Jackson, age 12
“The gel in my Kayanos makes it feel like I’m running on clouds! They’re super comfy.” – Zoe, age 13
Pros and Cons
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance | Comes in many width options for all foot types | Less support for people with flat feet |
| More affordable prices for most families | Different models can be confusing to choose from | |
| Great for many different activities | Some models aren’t good for serious running | |
| Many cool styles and colors | Not as much cushioning as Kayano | |
| Available in more stores | Quality varies between different models | |
| Good for growing feet with lots of kids’ sizes | Less specialized technology for running | |
| Kayano | Amazing support for flat feet | More expensive than most shoes |
| Special gel cushioning feels super comfortable | Only comes in regular and wide widths | |
| Helps fix foot problems like overpronation | Heavier than many other running shoes | |
| Lasts longer than most running shoes | Mostly just for running, not other sports | |
| Consistent quality with each new version | Limited styles and colors | |
| Trusted by serious runners | Hard to find in smaller kids’ sizes |
Both shoes are great but for different reasons! New Balance is better for everyday use and different activities, while Kayano is perfect if you need serious support for running or have foot problems.
Conclusion
After comparing New Balance and the Asics Gel-Kayano, it’s clear that both make excellent shoes, but they have different strengths that might make one better for you than the other.
Choose New Balance if:
- You need special width options (especially very wide or narrow feet)
- You want more affordable choices
- You prefer a more versatile shoe that works for multiple activities
- You like having many different models to choose from
- You want shoes that can double as fashion statements
Choose the Asics Gel-Kayano if:
- You need serious stability for overpronation
- You want maximum cushioning, especially in the heel
- You don’t mind spending more for premium features
- You’re looking for a shoe specifically designed for running
- You need extra support for flat feet or other foot issues
Remember, the most important thing is finding shoes that fit your feet properly and feel comfortable to you. Everyone’s feet are different, so what works for your friends might not be the best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kayanos good for kids?
Asics does make youth versions of the Kayano (called GS for “Grade School”) that are great for kids who need extra stability and support, especially if they’re serious about running or have foot issues like flat feet or overpronation.
How do I know if I need a stability shoe like the Kayano?
Look at your old shoes – if they’re worn down much more on the inner edge, you might overpronate and could benefit from a stability shoe. You can also do a “wet foot test” by wetting your foot and stepping on a piece of paper – if you see almost your entire footprint (little or no arch), you might need more support.
How often should I replace my running shoes?
Most experts recommend replacing running shoes every 300-500 miles or about every 6 months if you use them regularly. If you notice the cushioning feels flat or the tread is worn down, it’s time for new shoes.
Can I use running shoes for other sports?
Running shoes can work well for PE class and general activities. However, if you play specific sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis regularly, it’s better to get shoes designed specifically for those sports, as they provide the right type of support and traction for the movements involved.
How do I clean my running shoes?
For both New Balance and Asics shoes, you can wipe dirt off with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and water with a soft brush or cloth. Don’t put them in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage the special cushioning. Let them air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.